Vacuum cleaner nozzle

ABSTRACT

A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back and forth over a rug of the long pile or shag-type in which the nozzle is provided with a pile rake with means for mounting the rake adjacent the entrance to the nozzle but exteriorly of the air passage from the entrance for movement of the teeth toward and away from the entrance on the normal back and forth movement of the nozzle, the means for mounting comprising confining means for rather loosely confining the rake ends on the nozzle so that the back-and-forth movement of the nozzle will cause the rake teeth to dig into the pile thereby resulting in aiding removal of dirt from the rug and lifting of the pile from a matted condition to a normal and attractive loose condition.

United States Patent [72] Inventors Joseph F. Schmitz;

James R. Hilmanowski, both of gt-m lau iMinn- [21] Appl. No. 814,948 [22] Filed Apr. 10, 1969 [45] Patented Jan. 11, 1972 [73] Assignee Whirlpool Corporation [54] VACUUM CLEANER NOZZLE 7 Claims, 4 Drawing Figs.

[52] U.S. Cl 15/364, 15/l.5,15/354,15/369, 15/402 [51] Int. Cl A4719/06 [50] Field of Search. 15/363, 364, 365, 367, 371, 373, 381, 402, 369, 419

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,859,132 5/1932 Fechtenburg 15/402 2,228,091 1/1941 Smith 15/402 2,717,409 9/1955 Draudt 15/369 3,225,379 12/1965 Cummins 15/367 1,959,167 5/1934 Langille 15/369 Primary Examiner-William 1. Price Assistant Examiner-Alan l. Cantor Att0rney-Hofgren, Wegner, Allen, Stellman & McCord ABSTRACT: A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back and forth over a rug of the long pile or shag-type in which the nozzle is provided with a pile rake with means for mounting the rake adjacent the entrance to the nozzle but exteriorly of the air passage from the entrance for movement of the teeth toward and away from the entrance on the normal back and forth movement of the nozzle, the means for mounting comprising confining means for rather loosely confining the rake ends on the nozzle so that the back-and-forth movement of the nozzle will cause the rake teeth to dig into the pile thereby resulting in aiding removal of dirt from the rug and lifting of I the pile from a matted condition to a normal and attractive loose condition.

VACUUM CLEANER NOZZLE One of the features of this invention is to provide a vacuum cleaner nozzle particularly adapted for long pile or shag rugs in which the normal movement of the nozzle back and forth over the rug causes an automatic combing and lifting of the pile and aids in removing dirt from the rug.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description of one embodiment thereof as shown in the accompanying drawings. Of the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a central vertical sectional view through a nozzle embodying the invention similar with the nozzle moving forwardly.

FIG. 2 is a view similar to FIG. 1 but with the nozzle moving rearwardly or in the back direction of the back and forth movement.

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary vertical section taken substantially along line 33 of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is a fragmentary vertical section view similar to FIGS. 1 and 2, with the nozzle out of contact with a rug.

In the embodiment disclosed in the drawings the nozzle is adapted to be moved in a back direction as indicated by the arrow 11 and a forth direction as indicated by the arrow 12 over a long fiber rug 13 of the long pile or shag type.

The nozzle 10 comprises a nozzle body 14 having a suction air passage 15 that draws dirt laden air by way of an entrance 16. The nozzle body 14 has mounted thereon a pile rake 17 having opposite ends 18 and spaced teeth 19.

Means are provided for mounting the rake 17 adjacent to the nozzle entrance 16 but exteriorly of the air passage 15 for movement of the teeth toward the entrance 16 as shown in FIG. 2 and away from the entrance 16 as shown in FIG. 1 on this back-and-forth movement of the nozzle over the rug 13. This means for mounting the rake comprises confining means for rather loosely confining the rake ends 18 on the nozzle with the assistance of a resilient spring member referred to below so that the entire rake is substantially free to move between its extreme positions of FIG. 1 and 2.

In the illustrated embodiment the confining means comprises a closure bracket 20 at each end of the nozzle 10 defining the bottoms of end chambers 21 in which the rake ends are rather loosely confined, and a resilient spring member 40 held in place by a screw 41. The spring 40 is mounted approximately equidistant from the ends of the rake l7 and acts to urge the rake 17 to the lower or extended projecting position illustrated in FIG. 4 wherein the rake 17 is shown out of contact with the rug 13. The spring 40 comprises a metal leaf spring approximately one-half inch wide, formed into substantially the shape illustrated in FIG. 4. The spring 40 ensures that rake 17 is in the desired position at the start of the return stroke. Each bracket 20 is readily removable as it is held in place by a single screw 22 in the illustrated embodiment so that the rake 17 may be removed and replaced when desired.

The rug contacting portions of the teeth are curved away from the nozzle entrance 16 as indicated at 23 with this curved portion 23 preferably being at a rounded 90.

In the preferred structure the nozzle has an air passage wand connecting portion 24 at an acute angle to the nozzle ena trance 16 as shown in FIG. 1 with the rake 17 being on the same side of this entrance as is the portion 24.

In the preferred structure there is also provided a rigidly mounted brush 25 mounted on the nozzle and between the rake 17 and the nozzle entrance 16 with the bristles 26 of the brush 25 extending below the nozzle entrance 16.

The operation of the nozzle is as follows. When the nozzle 10 is propelled forwardly as indicated at 12 in FIG. 1 the nozzle entrance l6 presses down upon the fibers 27 of the rug, the spring 40 yields and the rake 17 automatically pivots to its rearwardmost position. This permits the full suction to be applied to the fibers 27. At the end of the forward stroke, when the nozzle 10 is raised away from the rug, the spring 40 urges the rake 17 to assume the position shown in FIG. 4, enabling deep pile grooming and cleaning at the start of the return stroke.

When the nozzle 10 is pulled back in the opposite direction as indicated at 11 in FIG. 2, the rake l7 rocks forwardly with a yielding of spring 40 so that the curved teeth 19 raise the nozzle entrance 16 a greater distance above the base of the rug 13. During this rearward movement the curved teeth 19 which are now extended to substantially their greatest projecting position comb through the matted pile indicated at 28 and lift it to an upright position as indicated at 29.

During this rearward or back movement of the back-andforth movement the rake pivots to dig the teeth into the pile as shown in FIG. 2 and lift it up. At the same time the airflow indicated at 30 into the nozzle carries dirt with it. This raking movement illustrated in FIG. 2 also urges the dirt toward the top of the lifted pile 29 for easier removal. The repeated backand-forth action of the rake 17 works the teeth or tines 19 into the pile and this aids in working the deep down dirt up to the surface. This raising of the dirt to the surface is believed to be both a mechanical lifting caused by the movement of the rake teeth and also an electrostatic urging of the dirt with the result that the nozzle of this invention cleans efficiently and thoroughly and promotes pickup and removal of the dirt by the airstrearn 29 into the nozzle 10.

The provision of the fixed brush 25 adjacent the nozzle entrance 16 is preferred because it aids in picking up kapok type soil.

The rake 17 is preferably made of a rigid material such as a plastic of the ABS type. The rake 17 may also be made of metal for rigidity with the metal covered with a suitable protective coating or finish having the desired low friction surface characteristic.

Having described our invention as related to the embodiment shown in the accompanying drawings, it is our intention that the invention be not limited by any of the details of description, unless otherwise specified.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:

1. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance and the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; and means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance and to one side thereof for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle for lateral movement of the rake relative to the confining means.

2. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance and the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance and to one side thereof for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said noule, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle for lateral movement of the rake relative to the confining means; and an air passage wand portion on said nozzle at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance in which said rake is on the same side of said entrance as said wand portion.

3. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance and the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance and to one side thereof for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance to said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle for lateral movement of the rake relative to the confining means and a removable closure bracket at each end of said nozzle defining the bottoms of chambers in which said rake ends are rather loosely confined; and an air passage wand portion on said nozzle at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance in which said rake is on the same side of said entrance as said wand portion.

4. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance; and means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance but exteriorly of said passage for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-andforth movement of said nozzle, the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth.

5. The nozzle of claim 4 wherein said nozzle is provided with an air passage wand portion at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance and said rake is on the same side of said entrance as is said wand portion.

6. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug. comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle; and a rigidly mounted brush between said entrance and said rake.

7. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance but exteriorly of said passage for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-andforth movement of said nozzle, the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; an air passage wand portion on said nozzle at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance, said rake and said wand portion being on the same side of said entrance; and a rigidly mounted brush between said entrance and said rake.

UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIeE CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION Patent No. 3,633,241 Dated January 11, 1972 Joseph F Schmitz et al Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent are hereby corrected as shown below:

In the grant (ONLY) on the cover sheet the illustrative drawing should appear as shown below: I

FORM Po-1050 (10-69) USCOMM-DC 60376-P69 fi U.S. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE I869 0-366-334,

Patent No. 3,653,241 a Dated Januray 11, 1972 Joseph F Schm1tz et a1 PAGE Inventor(s) It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patentare hereby corrected as shown below:

In the grant (ONLY) the present sheet of drawing should be cancelled and the attached sheet substituted therefor, as part of the Letters Patent.

Signed and sealed this 22nd day of August 1972.

(SEAL) Attes-t:

Y EDWARD M.FLETCHER,JR. ROBERT GOTTSCHALK Attesting Officer Commissioner of Patents FORM PO-1050(10-69) USCOMM'DC 60375-P69 .5. GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE I969 0-366-334, 

1. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance and the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; and means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance and to one side thereof for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle for lateral movement of the rake relative to the confining means.
 2. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance and the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance and to one side thereof for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle for lateral movement of the rake relative to the confining means; and an air passage wand portion on said nozzle at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance in which said rake is on the same side of said entrance as said wand portion.
 3. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance and the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance and to one side thereof for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance to said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle for lateral movement of the rake relative to the confining means and a removable closure bracket at each end of said nozzle defining the bottoms of chambers in which said rake ends are rather loosely confined; and an air passage wand portion on said nozzle at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance in which said rake is on the same side of said entrance as said wand portion.
 4. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance; and means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance but exteriorly of said passage for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth.
 5. The nozzle of claim 4 wherein said nozzle is provided with an air passage wand portion at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance and said rake is on the same side of said entrance as is said wand portion.
 6. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a long pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, said means for mounting comprising confining means for loosely confining said rake adjacent to the entrance of said nozzle; and a rigidly mounted brush between said entrance and said rake.
 7. A vacuum cleaner nozzle movable back-and-forth over a rug having a pile during cleaning of said rug, comprising: a nozzle body having a suction air passage therein with an entrance adapted to contact said pile during cleaning; a pile rake having opposite ends and spaced teeth projecting below said entrance; means for mounting said rake adjacent to said entrance but exteriorly of said passage for movement of said teeth toward and away from said entrance on said back-and-forth movement of said nozzle, the rug contacting portions of said teeth are curved in a direction away from said nozzle entrance to function as skids during movement of said nozzle in a direction opposite to said direction of curvature of the teeth; an air passage wand portion on said nozzle at an acute angle to said nozzle entrance, said rake and said wand portion being on the same side of said entrance; and a rigidly mounted brush between said entrance and said rake. 